NHS England updates clinical guidance for FreeStyle Libre access

A national minimum criteria for flash glucose monitoring devices has been published by NHS England as part of its commitment to eliminating the FreeStyle Libre postcode lottery.

The clinical guidance for the monitors lays out the criteria for all Clinical Commissioning Groups (CGGs) around the country to adhere to for access to the life-changing technology as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

This is an important step forward for the NHS and for people with type 1 diabetes

From April, the health service will provide the technology for one in five of those with type 1 diabetes in England. Those who qualify include:

People with type 1 diabetes who need intensive monitoring (more than 8 times every day) as demonstrated in a review over the past 3 months.

Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes for 12 months in total.

People with type 1 diabetes unable to routinely self-monitor blood glucose due to disability.

People with type 1 diabetes for whom the specialist diabetes MDT determines have occupational or psychosocial circumstances that warrant a 6-month trial of Libre with appropriate support.

People will be able to receive it on prescription from their local GP or diabetes team, helping them to better manage their blood sugar level and NHS England will reimburse local health groups for costs of the wearable sensors.

Dr Partha Kar, Associate National Clinical Director at Diabetes said: “This is an important step forward for the NHS and for people with type 1 diabetes.

“The guidance published today confirms the NHS’ commitment to improving the care of those with type 1 diabetes and signals an end to the variation in availability to the life changing technology.”

JDRF Chief Executive Officer in the UK, Karen Addington said: “We are delighted that these new guidelines will effectively end the inequity of access to Flash Glucose Monitoring that people living with type 1 diabetes have experienced, based simply on where they live in England. JDRF has worked with NHS England and partners to secure this outcome and look forward to supporting the implementation in April.”